In 2012, Beck Dorey-Stein is working five part-time jobs and just scraping by when a posting on Craigslist lands her, improbably, in the Oval Office as one of Barack Obama’s stenographers. The ultimate D.C. outsider, she joins the elite team who accompany the president wherever he goes, recorder and mic in hand. On whirlwind trips across time zones, Beck forges friendships with a dynamic group of fellow travelers—young men and women who, like her, leave their real lives behind to hop aboard Air Force One in service of the president.

As she learns to navigate White House protocols and more than once runs afoul of the hierarchy, Beck becomes romantically entangled with a consummate D.C. insider, and suddenly the political becomes all too personal.

Against the backdrop of glamour, drama, and intrigue, this is the story of a young woman making unlikely friendships, getting her heart broken, learning what truly matters, and, in the process, discovering her voice.Praise for From the Corner of the Oval

“Who knew the West Wing could be so sexy? Beck Dorey-Stein’s unparalleled access is obvious on every page, along with her knife-sharp humor. I tore through the entire book on a four-hour flight and loved reading all about the brilliant yet hard-partying people who once surrounded the leader of the free world. Lots of books claim to give real insider glimpses, but this one actually delivers.” —Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada

“Addictively readable . . . Dorey-Stein’s spunk and her sparkling, crackling prose had me cheering for her through each adventure. . . . She never loses her starry-eyed optimism, her pinch-me wonderment, her Working Girl pluck.”—Paul Begala, The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

Reviews

Interesting story little too personal

4

By Justpasingthru

An interesting perspective into the workings of the WH. Could have done with less about your drinking and drinking and drinking creating too many dramas for the sake of being dramatic. Otherwise an easy relaxing interesting read.

Wow!!

5

By Mommymoose

I read this book in one day! Absolutely a fabulous read! I couldn’t put it down. Thank you for your perspective.

Funny, witty, insightful

5

By lskoch

Well done.

Wow Wow Wow

5

By Allnicknamestakenalready

It is 1:23 am and I’m finishing this book after reading nonstop for hours. So much fun. And so heartfelt. I appreciate having a front row seat. And yes I did hear the whoosh. Thanks for a great ride.

From the Corner of the Oval

1

By Desertbecca

Devolves into insipid dysfunction. A 6 year opportunity in the Obama White House wasted.

From the Corner of the Oval

5

By Bobbertmarley

Great book!

Delightful and thought provoking!

5

By kitnola

Wonderful read. Great weekend of entertainment. Thank you!

:)

5

By catluvvkim

AMAZING!

Pleasantly surprised by From the Corner of the Oval!

5

By On My Kindle

I received a free copy of this book and opted to post a review.
If this was a work of fiction, I'd say Stein is an endearing character. She's young, intelligent, enthusiastic, and it's clear that she treasured the time she spent with the 44th President of the United States. However, the memoir isn't all about work; Stein discusses, in great detail, her love life during her time as a stenographer. I admire her courage in admitting the mistakes she made along the way, it goes to show that a young woman can be intelligent and still make the same mistakes that most young women do.
I enjoyed reading about the different locations she visited and her infrequent encounters with former-president Obama. These are described in clear, stunning detail and her boundless enthusiasm for traveling to different countries is contagious. Her insights and inner dialogue are described to readers in a chatty, conversational tone that I found irresistible.
Readers looking for a conventional political memoir should steer clear. You will be disappointed because this isn't another person's insights about the 44th President of the U.S.; however, readers who are looking for an unconventional glimpse of what the world of politics is life from somebody who is low on the totem-pole will love From the Corner of the Oval.

Compelling read

4

By BJNRx

I found this book to be a quick, entertaining, and enlightening read. The memoir boasts a unique insight into the Obama administration through the perspective of a young staffer’s work-life. While it was entertaining, the weaved metaphors and attempted cliches did not resonate. The memoir would’ve stood on its own without the unnecessary numerous embellishments. The title is clever!